It is with great sadness that the family of Claude S. Pickering Jr., 90 of Sunbury announces he passed away peacefully the morning of Tuesday, December 17, 2024, during a short time under hospice care while residing with his granddaughter-in-law Katie Pickering in Pennsville, Ohio.

Claude attended school in Croton, Ohio, where he earned his varsity letter in football. He later went on to serve and protect our country by being a member of the Army – 82^nd Airborne and earned many medals for his bravery. After the service he owned and operated an auto body repair business and also worked in construction. Claude enjoyed fishing, riding women and motorcycles, and above all else he loved his family. He was always strong and supportive. He would do anything for those he loved. Claude was one of a kind and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Claude will be lovingly remembered by his children, Tina (Bill) Lantz, Linda (Kris) Lee, and David Pickering; grandchildren, Kenneth (Katie) Pickering, Shane (Sam) McKee, Shawn (Jenn) Pickering, and Sheyenne (Jess) McKee; great-grandchildren, Kenny Jr., Jaykob, Chance, Roxy, Shane Jr., Autumn, Dillon (and mother Amanda), Sam, Jade, and Reese; several step-grandchildren; special family friends / in-laws, Lisa Triona, and Phil (Jolene) Triona; and numerous other family members and friends.

Claude was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Ethel; brother, Charles; sisters, Margaret, Doris Jean, and Barbara; and mother of his two beautiful daughters, Kathy Irene Pickering.

Calling Hours were held Friday December 27, 2024, from 4 to 7 pm, and Saturday December 28, 2024, from 11 am to 12 noon. Military services were conducted by the Combined Color Guard at the Brown Funeral Home in Murray City, Ohio at 12 noon on Saturday. A funeral service followed the military services.

“Your Life was a blessing, your memory a Treasure. To Live on in the hearts we leave behind is to never die.”